Zoom 101
Zoom will be utilized as our main virtual interface. Zooming can be a brilliant socially distanced educational format. However, it can also be a space full of blank stares and awkward moments as we figure out how to actually do what we want to do. Explore the videos below and discover how to use some of the most essential functions on Zoom.
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Signing Into ZoomEach week your Tutor Coach will host a weekly Zoom meeting. The link and password to this meeting should be found in your "welcome email". That email will be sent to you when you are matched with a student. To join your Zoom meeting, simply click on the link (in the email) and enter the password, if prompted. Then, turn on your video and audio settings and get ready for some virtual fun. For more information about these steps that you'll need to take to join your weekly tutoring session, watch the accompanying video.
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Zoom Meeting Controls OverviewOnce you're a part of our Zoom meeting, there a few basic controls on Zoom you'll want to familiarize yourself with. Don't worry, however, we'll always be around to help field any questions you may have. Watch the accompanying video to learn about the basic meeting controls you can utilize on Zoom. Specific controls to pay close attention to are: audio settings (mute and un-mute), video settings (on and off, virtual backgrounds), screen sharing, and the chat controls.
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Zoom Breakout RoomsEach week we will utilize breakout rooms, so that you and your student have a "private" space to work on your student's literacy skills. Your Tutor Coach will regularly "pop" in and out of your breakout room to make sure things are going well and to answer any questions you may have. Don't worry, you'll never be "stuck" in this virtual room. At all times you'll have the ability to raise a hand for help or leave the breakout room completely. Learn more about these functions by watching the accompanying video.
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Zoom's Screen Share FunctionScreen sharing will be one of the most important functions for you to familiarize yourself with for our virtual tutoring sessions. Screen sharing allows you to share what you see on your computer screen with your student's computer screen, so that you're both looking at the same book, word, activity, etc. This will be an essential function for the reading and word work activities we will be asking you to work through with your student. Watch the accompanying video to learn more about how to screen share and don't worry, we'll always be around to help.
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Zoom's Whiteboard FunctionPerhaps you wish you still had access to a whiteboard, like you once did in a Tutor Room at the TLC. Well, guess what, you still do! Zoom has a screen sharing whiteboard function where you and your student can chunk out words, play fun games, complete story maps, and do all the shenanigans you once did on that whiteboard at TLC. Learn about this whiteboard function by watching the accompanying video.
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Zoom's Chat FunctionAlthough you might not have access to a pencil and paper to complete writing activities with your student, we have uncovered something even better for you! During you Zoom tutoring sessions, you'll have access to Zoom's "chat" function. The chat function allows you to type or receive messages to and from your student. This can be utilized as an effective virtual tool for any writing activity we might ask you to engage in, or to identify gaps in a your student's word work. Learn more about Zoom's chat function by watching the accompanying video.
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Is your Zoom not working?
As with all gadgets, Zoom can be finicky at times. Perhaps you're not able to turn on your camera or your audio doesn't seem to be working. The list is likely endless. Rest assured, these snafus happen (have happened) to all of us and we're here to help. If you're having issues with Zoom please always begin by calling our office at 733-9242. Everybody on our staff is ready and prepared to help you out however we can. Additionally, you can use Zoom's Troubleshooting Guide, found here, to see if you can resolve the issue. Thank you for your flexibility as we navigate this new virtual world of tutoring.